Robert Mondavi 2007 Fume Blanc Napa Valley

Winemaker's Notes

The 2007 vintage was ideal for Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley. Responding to a cold, dry winter and scant spring rains (rainfall in northern California was 40% to 50% lower than average in 2007), vine vigor was minimized from the outset and the vines didn’t produce too much foliage. Spring temperatures were warm, and the growing season started out fast with early bloom and fruit set. Then the weather cooled and mild temperatures prevailed throughout the summer and into August. Through sunny days and foggy evenings, the grapes ripened slowly and evenly. Picking began for Sauvignon Blanc on August 8 at a relaxed pace, and most of the fruit was in the winery when a heat wave came through around Labor Day. The harvest tempo picked up briefly, then slowed down again as cooler temperatures returned. The last of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes came into the winery on September 19. Because of the cold, dry winter, 2007 crop levels were slightly lower than usual, but thanks to the mild summer weather, Sauvignon Blanc quality was consistently excellent.

Kim Crawford 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand

Winemaker's Notes

The fruit for the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc was selected from various low yielding vineyards in the Wairau, Bancott, Wahoepal and Awatere Valleys of Marlborough. Each vineyard was carefully chosen for the true varietal characteristics that would eventually add complexity and structure to the final blend of the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc.

The 2008 growing season was longer than usual and particularly dry, resulting in above average yields. The long, sunny days allowed the fruit to ripen and develop intense flavor all the way through to harvest. At time of harvest, the grapes were picked in the cool of the evening to preserve the crisp flavors the grapes worked so hard to develop on the vine.

Once the fruit arrived into the winery, each block was kept separate throughout the various stages of the winemaking process. Fermentations for each lot were carried out at cool temperatures and when fermentation was complete the lots were proportionately blended, fined, stabilized and bottled.

Toasted Head 2007 Chardonnay Dunnigan Hills, California

Winemaker's Notes

Toasted Head's 2007 Chardonnay leads with fresh, ripe pear and tropical fruit aromas that carry hints of mango and vanilla. The round, smooth palate features luscious stone fruit and tropical fruit flavors complemented by toasty oak tones. Characteristically round, smooth, and luscious, it culminates in a lingering, toasty-vanilla finish.

Toasted Head 2008 California Chardonnay Dunnigan Hills, California

Winemaker's Notes

The nose offers ripe pineapple and peach aromas with toasted graham cracker. The bright straw color prepares the palate for the rich tropical fruit and luscious stone fruit with a viscous mouth feel accented by toasted coconut, vanilla and butterscotch. The creamy finish lingers with hints of buttered toast and lemon zest. This wine will pair well with creamy Italian pasta dishes, roasted chicken or fish, and fresh summer corn.

Wild Horse 2007 Pinot Noir Central Coast, California

Winemaker's Notes

The 2007 Pinot Noir showcases aromas and flavors of bright raspberry, ripe strawberry, and dusty spices leading to a rich, juicy, well-balanced mouthfeel. A food friendly and very approachable wine, enjoy this Pinot Noir with baked penne, roasted vegetables or pork short ribs.

Hayman and Hill 2006 Reserve Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California

Winemaker's Notes

This medium bodied wine has a vibrant, rich color. Crisp raspberry, warm Bing cherry and toffee, and dusty aromas reflect the famous red soils of the benchland and ridgetops of the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County.

Mount Veeder 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes

Filled with mountain character, big, bold and brambly. Mount Veeder Winery blends fruit from their Mount Veeder ranches with other small lots of rich, intense Napa Valley grapes to create a powerful and complex wine with fine tannins and the potential to age.